Ski Tips

This skier's going from "blah" to "badass." Jo Piazza talks about learning to ski better.

I’m cold and I’m tired. Through puffs of a cigarette, my very French ski instructor is rattling off commands, but I can’t hear him through my hat and helmet. I nod anyway, and chunks of snow fall from my hair, matted there after a particularly rough spill on the last run.

I remember my first ski trip vividly: being bundled up like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, the sting of snow in my face the first time I fell doing a snowplow, the warmth of my dad’s arm wrapped protectively around me on my very first chairlift ride.

It's more than talent that makes Mikaela Shiffrin the best slalom racer in the world.

Much has been written about Mikaela Shiffrin’s “meteoric” rise to the top of the World Cup standings, but if you ask her, she might dispute the speed of her success. Despite her youth, Shiffrin’s rise has been a steady progression of struggle, improvement, and constant learning, based on her sheer determination and a solid work ethic.

Consistent with her development, Shiffrin’s skiing is precise, accurate, disciplined, and very much practiced. There’s a lot to be learned from studying photos like this one—much we should try to emulate in our own skiing.

Back in 2012, Julian Flores’ wife rented a designer dress from the website Rent the Runway, a fashion company that allows customers to rent designer dresses for a few days at a fraction of what they cost at retail. Flores was just blown away at how easy the process was for her. "She was sent the garment through the mail and used it for a huge party and looked like a million bucks,” he said.

Whether you're on a family ski holiday or just out with some friends, staying warm is crucial to having a great day on the slopes. Here, our editors suggest 15 ways to stay warm while you're out there.

15) Swing your arms in circles to get the blood flowing back into your fingers. Sure you may look dumb, but would you rather look silly and get extra happy laps, or freeze?

It's National Learn To Ski and Snowboard Month, and Vermont resorts lead the way with enticing discounts for newbies.

Got a friend who needs to learn how to ski? A spouse or significant other? A friend of your kid’s? Maybe it’s up to you to turn them on to the sport you love, and there’s no better time than January, National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.

Top kids' instructors share wisdom on making skiing fun for everyone in the family.

13) For lessons, arrive early, preferably the day prior to get rentals if needed, to get tickets in hand and hopefully avoid lines during peak season. It is great to let your children—especially if they are very young (3-6 years)—know where they are going and what will take place throughout the day, to reassure them. — Mary Flinn Ware, Park City Mountain Resort, Utah